In death's dark vale I fear no ill With Thee, dear Lord, beside me; Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me. And so, through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never; Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise Within Thy house forever. --_Sir H. W. Baker_. {316} {317} PRAYERS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN {318} {319} PRAYERS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. AMEN. Jesus, take this heart of mine, Make it pure, and only Thine. I Thy little child would be, Help me, Lord, to live for Thee. AMEN. I thank Thee, Lord, for quiet rest, And for Thy care of me; Oh, let me through this day be blest, And kept from harm by Thee. Oh, let me thank Thee, kind Thou art To children such as I, Give me a gentle, loving heart; Be Thou my friend on high. AMEN. --_Beginner's Reading Book_. Dear Lord, for these three things I pray: To know Thee more clearly, To love Thee more dearly, To follow Thee more nearly. Every day. AMEN. {320} Father in heaven, help Thy little children To love and serve Thee throughout this day. Help us to be truthful, help us to be kindly, That we may please Thee in all we do or say. Dear Lord, we pray Thee, keep Thy little children From doing wrong throughout this happy day. Hear our morning promises. Father, help us keep them, That we may please Thee in all we do or say. AMEN. For Jesus Christ, the children's friend, We thank Thee, heavenly Father. For Jesus Christ, who keeps us to the end, We thank Thee, heavenly Father. AMEN. Father, we thank Thee for the night, And for the pleasant morning light; For rest and food and loving care, And all that makes the day so fair. Help us to do the things we should, To be to others kind and good; In all we do in work or play, To grow more loving every day. AMEN. Dear Lord, we thank Thee for Thy care, And all Thy mercy sends; For food we eat, the clothes we wear, Our health and home and friends. AMEN. {321}{322} [Illustration] THE SOUL'S AWAKENING By James Sant (1820- ) "Can a little child like me, Thank the Father fittingly? Yes, oh, yes,--be good and true, Patient, kind in all you do, Love the Lord and do your part, Learn to say with all your heart,-- Father, we thank Thee; Father in heaven, we thank Thee." --_Mary Mapes Dodge_ [End illustration] {323}